KUCHING: Autism is not a disease but a mental development disorder, said Dr Ismail Drahman who is also the chairman of Mental Health Association of Sarawak yesterday.
“Autism occurs in one out of 500 children, with boys four times more likely to be affected. Therefore, it is important for parents to identify the symptoms as early as possible in order to provide intervention as soon as possible,” he said while speaking to reporters after the “Reducing Pressure of Mothers With Autistic Children Programme” held at Datuk Amar Juma’ani Welfare Centre Sri Satok here.
Ismail added there was a need to tackle misconceptions about autism due to its wide range of symptoms.
“Basic symptoms range from inappropriate laughing or giggling, parrot-like copying of words, uneven gross or fine motor skills, having no fear of dangers, crying tantrums for no discernible reason, being insensitive to pain, engaging in odd play or interest, having difficulty in mixing with other children, being deaf or being extreme sensitive to certain sounds and others,” he explained.
According to Ismail, autism can be identified as early as 12 months when language development delay is present.
“However, symptoms of autistic individuals vary according to the characteristics of the individual and his or her environment,” he said, adding that the perception of dimensions of objects among those with autism, were varied since they might see the world differently.
“Autistic individuals can only do certain activities, which they used to do.
“For example, if their parents drive them to school through a particular route, once the route is diverted, they will become extremely mad. Because they have cognitive impairment, some normal people like us fail to understand them,” he added.
Ismail also pointed out the development disorder was indifferent to anyone as it could occur to almost anyone from any race and social class regardless of the family income and educational level or intellectual level of parents.
Touching on the arrest of an autistic man, Ahmad Ziqri Morshidi, who was accused of allegedly molesting a woman at a restaurant in Subang Jaya, Ismail felt more should be done to educate society on autism.
“This case revealed a glaring lack of understanding and awareness about autism in our society. The lack of knowledge and misconceptions has resulted in stigma against people with autism.
“What we strive to do is to make parents aware that they should not be ashamed or keep their children at home and away from society,” he said.
Ismail also explained that the condition of those who suffered mild and moderate autism could be improved by early intervention.
“In these cases, what they need most is early intervention — they need help so that they can function and overcome their autism limitations in the future.
“I believe if these kids are able to get the support and therapy they need early on, then they will be ready to go to school when they become of age,” he added.
